Dangerous Goods and Transportation of Hazardous Materials
What this domain tests
Quebec enforces the federal Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) rules. For a Class 1 driver the exam focuses on classification, documentation, placarding, training and route restrictions.
The core rules
- Nine classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers and organic peroxides, 6 toxic and infectious substances, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.
- Training is mandatory and specific to the duties performed; the certificate is valid for 3 years and must be carried.
- Every shipment needs a shipping document showing the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity and a 24-hour emergency number. Keep it accessible.
- Placards go on the vehicle when the quantity thresholds are met; labels go on the package. Know both.
- A large quantity of certain classes needs an Emergency Response Assistance Plan in place before you load.
- CANUTEC, 613-996-6666 (collect), is the Canadian emergency centre.
- Secure the load, check for leaks and damaged packaging, segregate incompatible goods, and never smoke around dangerous goods.
- Montreal restricts dangerous goods to designated routes and bans certain classes from the Ville-Marie and Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnels. Plan the route before leaving.
Worked example
You pick up 20,000 L of gasoline in a tanker - Class 3, Packing Group II. You hold a valid training certificate and carry a shipping document listing UN1203 with a 24-hour emergency number. The tanker is placarded on all four sides with the Class 3 placard and the UN number. Before loading you confirm with the carrier whether an ERAP is required for this class and quantity, because it must be in place before you move.
Traps that cost marks
Thinking package labels are the same thing as vehicle placards; treating an empty but uncleaned tank as "not dangerous goods" when it remains regulated until purged; and leaving the shipping document in the office.